Canadian Race Relations Foundation urge police to treat anti-Muslim attacks in Gatineau as hate crime

TORONTO, Jan. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is deeply concerned about the increase in racial incidents in the National Capital Region.  The most recent incident took place early Friday when staff at the Outaouais Islamic Centre in Gatineau discovered spray-painted obscene references to Islam and Arabs on the outside walls and doors of the mosque.

At a time when the CRRF is working with a large number of inter-faith organizations to promote harmony, belonging and better understanding of all communities in Canada, the recent incident demonstrates the need to stand together against Islamophobia and all other forms and manifestations of hatred.

"We urge the Gatineau Police to treat the latest act of vandalism as hate crime. There is no room for hate in our society," said Ayman Al-Yassini, Executive Director of the CRRF.

Ayman Al-Yassini, 416-952-4476 or 647 403-8526 (cell)